The Post

Main Plot

"The Post," directed by Steven Spielberg, is a historical drama that centers on the true story of The Washington Post's publication of the Pentagon Papers in 1971. The film focuses on the challenging decisions faced by Kay Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and her hard-driving editor, Ben Bradlee. The story unfolds as they receive leaked documents that reveal extensive government secrets about the Vietnam War, hidden from the American public over four presidencies. As they realize the depth and implications of the explosive revelations, Graham and Bradlee grapple with the ethical and legal dilemmas of publishing the documents. They must contend with the potential risks to their careers, the newspaper's survival, and their personal safety. The narrative builds tension around the fierce battle between the government's demand for secrecy and the press's commitment to freedom of information, culminating in a landmark Supreme Court decision. "The Post" highlights the vital role of journalists in holding the government accountable and the enduring importance of press freedom.

Characters

• Meryl Streep plays Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, who decides to publish the Pentagon Papers, challenging the government.
• Tom Hanks plays Ben Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post, who pushes to publish the Pentagon Papers, challenging government secrets and press freedom.
• Sarah Paulson plays Tony Bradlee, wife of Ben Bradlee, the editor of The Washington Post. She supports her husband during the publication of the Pentagon Papers.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Steven Spielberg's film "The Post," the focus is on The Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, which expose decades of governmental deceit about the Vietnam War. The movie culminates with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the press, emphasizing the importance of a free press in holding the government accountable. The decision is a significant victory for The Post and its publisher, Katharine Graham, who had wrestled with the decision to publish the documents despite the potential risks to her business and personal relationships. The film ends on a note of empowerment for Graham, who gains confidence in her role as a leader capable of making tough decisions. This moment is also pivotal for the newspaper, which establishes itself as a significant journalistic force. The final scenes underscore the ongoing struggle between the government and the press, setting the stage for future confrontations. This is symbolized by a brief epilogue showing the break-in at the Watergate complex, hinting at The Post's future role in investigating the Watergate scandal, which would again pit it against the Nixon administration.